Thomas King is a twenty-one-year-old musician from Australia. He also is an illustrator, clothes maker, student and tutor. I have to admit I'm a little jealous that he’s so multi-faceted. I’m almost twice his age and I can’t say I’m that many things about myself. King’s debut album is titled My Love Rides Down Upon You. He says this about the album, “imagine the score to a tragic gay romance film set in a futuristic medieval renaissance.”
The music for me was always riding the line between taking itself too seriously or maybe not enough. I think that’s actually a good line to dance upon when done well like it is here. Some of my favorite artists like Perfume Genius and Of Montreal do that brilliantly. On that note King has similarities to both of those artists. The first song that really got my attention was “Shed My Skin.” He’s right about the medieval vibe. It sounds like a synthetic harpsichord. It has a bit of a video game feel to it because the tones and textures don’t seem to be too much than sine waves with some reverb and atmosphere. On that note it never sounds cheesy. The aspect which made the music work was the exceptional vocals. King has a really good voice especially for what he is doing. It’s sort of sad, fragile and sometimes powerful. He is at best on songs like this where his vocal melody covers a number of different emotions. “Pretend I Don't Exist” was another highlight. It’s atmospheric but has a great groove. The vocals again are very well done. There are some experimental pieces as well such as “Hole in the Hull” which has some really inventivel sounding splices of the vocals. “My Love Rides Down Upon You” is very ambient and perhaps the most uplifting track when it's full bloom. “I Wish You the Best in the Future” was a closer that worked. It’s hopeful, nostalgic and memorable. King has some serious talent but even more importantly he carved out a foundation and signature sound with these songs. He is a young guy and I imagine this is just the beginning from him. I look forward to hearing more. Take a listen.
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